Thompson Safety, a leading provider of fire protection, first-aid and safety services, has entered the Philadelphia market with the acquisition of Kartman Fire and expanded in its hometown of Houston with the acquisition of Liberty Fire Protection.
Kartman Fire is a fire, life safety and card-access provider that has served Philadelphia and its surrounding areas since 1983, while Liberty Fire is a Houston-based fire-protection company.
Through the Kartman Fire acquisition, Thompson Safety will now offer full-service fire protection in Pennsylvania, including fire alarm, sprinkler, suppression, exit lighting, backflow and monitoring services. Kartman Fire’s expertise in security and camera systems will further complement Thompson Safety’s expanding capabilities, creating new opportunities for cross-selling between fire protection, first-aid and safety customers.
“Kartman Fire has been a trusted name in fire protection and security in Philadelphia for more than four decades,” Thompson Safety Founder and CEO Tommy Thompson said. “We are thrilled to welcome their talented team to Thompson Safety. This acquisition strengthens our fire protection division and opens an exciting new market for us in Pennsylvania. Together, we will continue delivering exceptional service while giving customers access to both fire protection and safety solutions.”
Liberty Fire is a full-service provider offering fire alarm and sprinkler systems, backflow prevention and kitchen hood suppression.
Thompson Safety’s customers will now benefit from:
- Comprehensive fire protection and life safety services.
- A broader geographic footprint.
- Expanded access to manufacturers and suppliers.
- Enhanced technology, including reporting tools and customer portals.
The integration will begin immediately with minimal disruption. Liberty customers can expect the same trusted local support, now backed by Thompson Safety’s national scale, technology platform and transparent service programs.
“Partnering with Thompson was an easy decision for Liberty,” Liberty Fire owner John McDowell said. “Their strong, supportive culture and genuine care for employees aligned perfectly with our values. Knowing our team would be valued as they continue their careers was a critical factor in choosing Thompson.”
“We are proud to welcome Liberty Fire Protection to the Thompson family,” Thompson added. “As a fellow Houston-based company with an outstanding reputation, Liberty enhances our ability to deliver advanced fire protection services to thousands of customers across our hometown.”
Kartman Fire has built a reputation over four decades for delivering customized fire, life safety and card-access solutions across a wide range of property types, including small apartment buildings, high-rise residential communities, condo-managed sites, warehouses, medical offices, schools, universities, restaurants and more. The company’s highly skilled technicians will now join Thompson Safety’s growing fire division, expanding the team’s reach and capabilities in the Northeast.
“With Thompson Safety, our employees have the opportunity to be part of a growing division, not just a dot on the map,” Kartman Fire CEO Jonathan Kartman said. “This partnership allows us to provide our customers with even greater resources and service offerings while continuing the legacy of care and technical excellence we’ve built over the last 40 years.”
The acquisition represents a significant milestone in Thompson Safety’s growth strategy, reinforcing its commitment to building strong local teams, expanding its geographic footprint and offering comprehensive life safety solutions across the U.S.